The holy grail of inpatient nursing jobs

I worked NeuroICU for almost 2 years as a new grad. A true vegetable farm where every 85 year old massive stroke patient got a trach, PEG, and went to an LTAC. I stayed because I wanted to give myself the option to do CRNA if I chose. But once I realized I didn’t want to do anesthesia I was just miserable day after day.

I just started in PACU at my same hospital where they do spine and brain surgery, we do 10-15 patients a day. It’s been the absolute best cure for my burnt out ass lol. I have my patients for 1-2 hours at a time, and on the VERY worst day I’ll have 5 patients. I make sure their pain is under control, make sure they’re awake, and either dc home or admit to the floors. All my old coworkers say I am glowing, and I’ve already started working OT because I genuinely feel so energized and good about my job. I don’t deal with family drama, combative patients, confused patients (sometimes inpatients but it’s for a very brief moment), and the unit has such a supportive, family based culture. I feel like I struck the lottery and I’m never ever gonna leave. All my coworkers have been there 5+ years, and I got hired to replace someone who just retired after like 15 years there.

Just wanted to share that if you’re thinking about PACU. Do it! Best decision ever.